Balances

PCE Instruments offers a wide range of balances: industrial balances, laboratory balances, precision balances, table top balances and many more. All of balances possess the characteristics and performance necessary to take measurements quickly and safely, and they come with a 2 or 3 year guarantee depending on the model. A lot of our balances can transfer data to a computer for further analysis, some have piece count functions and others hopper functions.

The balance some calibrated and can also come with a DIN ISO certificate. Also, if required our calibratable models can be adjusted to suit your needs. Call us if you cannot find the balances you are looking for to perform the job effectively: our offices can be contacted on +44 (0)2380 987030 or you can request a copy of our catalogue of balances (printable version) in which you can browse our vast selection of balances at your leisure and compare the various models.
Below  there is a selection of our balances balances in a general index with links to the corresponding products where you will be able to see some images of specific products we carry in this range which will help clarifying the types of instruments you may be looking for. Other information regarding balances can be found at "other information and links".

General index

Our balances, depending on the model, meet all technical requirements and weighing standards within all industries. As part of our balances, we have optional accessories available. The images below illustrate some examples of these accessories.

A legal verification of balances (only for verifiable models) can be done by us (class II and class III) or by an authorised verification centre for class II. Once an authorised verification has been performed, the balances cannot be calibrated when using an external calibration weight.

An authorised verification is valid for 2 years, at which point a verification must be performed annually. For companies that have an internal control or external audits, it is acceptable to perform an annual ISO calibration. The ISO certification comes with an additional document containing the test values. The certification can also include the company's address and details.

Find balances category by image

Balances can determine weight as well as other units

Balances are used to determine the weight of a particular body or the magnitudes related to weight, such as volume or density. The determination of weight is very important in many sectors, especially within the production and the commerce.
The examples of how to use our balances are listed below:

Alphabetical information and links about balances
Together with our range of balances and the professional assessment of our engineers and technicians, we also provide an alphabetical list of relevant terminologies to help our customers in familiarising with our products before purchasing them.

Absolute density: determination of the weight of an object in units of milligrams (mg), grams (g), kilograms (kg) or tons (t).

Accurate weighing balances: Accurate scales can be found in our general index. Their accuracy, wide weight range as well as their high quality, are the most valuable factors which convince customers to buy our products.

Adjust: establishing an exact magnitude of measurement in a device, such as a scale, by technically intervening with the measurement system.

Adjust weight range: this can be done by using a control weight and the adjustment setting (CAL), or with an internal automatic adjustment connection. This is required due to changes in temperature, changes in ambient conditions, location change, etc. This adjustment should be done routinely throughout the day.

Analytical scales: In our product range you will find analytical scales which come with software and the possibility to measure with an accuracy of 0.01 mg (more analytical devices are available upon request).

Authorisation of adjustments to balances: calibrations of balances are documented once the device has been authorised. The device must first be submitted to a technical calibration test which is done by an official organisation, usually a state meteorological institution. The technical requirements of the measurement and the specifics of the device are taken into consideration. This authorisation is documented with an EU certification (IEC Type approval certificate). This EU authorisation is valid across all member states of the EU.

Authorisation of balances: this is carried out by the PTB Federal Office. Balances can only be adjusted if there is an authorisation for this format.

Calibration: According to EU directives 90 / 384 / EWG, all balances should be officially calibrated if they are going to be used in:
a) Commercial ventures where the cost of a product is determined by its weight.
b) The manufacture of medicines in pharmacies, such as in the analysis in medical laboratories or pharmaceuticals.
c) For determing fees, tariffs or official fines, also for technical expertise in court cases.
d) The manufacture of packaging.
All balances are tested in an authorised calibration centre and are identified with a calibration mark. This marking corroborates its accuracy within the tolerance frame of calibration. The scope of EU calibrations extends across all the member countries of the EU.

Calibration of balances with an automatic adjustment or with an automatic connection. All the previously mentioned references lose validity, which can be managed by an automatic adjustment after a calibration. In this case the calibration is done independently of an enclosure.

Calibration value: measured by the calibration tolerance according to the type of balances, between 1 and 10d.

Calibrate: to establish a correction of the magnitude of measurement in a device without intervening in the system of measurement. Example: testing of balances with a test weight. The term 'calibrate' used to mean 'adjustment'. Laboratories for calibrating balances.

Calibrated / non-calibrated balances: in respect to technical measurements, they are almost identical. In case of balances which can be calibrated, some prescribed specifications exist, such as software modifications or additional labels.

Capacity indicator: a luminous band ascending on the display indicates the occupied weight range and the available range. It eliminates the risk of intentionally going out of range.

Minimum load (min): lower limit of an adjustable measurement range. It can be found indicated on the adjustment plate. Balances can also function below the minimum load.

Calibration certificate: document containing the technical characteristics of balances or test weights, which are traceable to a National Standard.

Calibration certificate for balances

Certification according to DIN EN ISO 9001: the certification shows that a company meets with all the required quality management system according to DIN EN ISO 9001 standards. After consulting the appropriate authorities, a certificate can be obtained according to the quality management system standard DIN EN ISO 9001.

Characteristic line of balances: graphical representation of the weight indication of the balances with weight control from zero up to a maximum load.

Commercial balances: class III balances. These typically include shop balances.

Commercial weights: weights of OIML within error limit class M3.

Compensation for electromagnetic energy: electronic analysis balances and precision balances of higher quality operate according to this measurement principle. The base constitutes the physical effect of the energy experienced an electrical coil within current or permanent magnetic field.

Control of the testing method: performance of quality management systems according to ISO 9000 and others such as the GLP.  The method of measurement (scales) and the methods of control (weights) have to be tested at defined intervals, to determine if a calibration is required. This test should include documentation.

Conventional value of a weight: effect of a weight on balances under ideal circumstances: material density 8000kg/m³, relative temperature 20°C, density of air during the measurement 1.2kg/m³. 
The conventional value of a weight is facilitated by precision weights, and the present oscillations due to the density of air up to ±10% do not have to be taken into consideration.

Declaration of conformity: the declaration of conformity documents that a product corresponds with EU directives. In terms of electronic balances, they come with the CE certification mark.
Declaration of conformity for balances

Determination of percentage: for example, the reference weight of a sample before drying it is 50g = display of the scale at 100%. After drying, the sample is 40g = display of the balances at 80% absolute (dry mass) or 20% relative (humidity).

DKD: German calibration service.
An authorised DKD laboratory for issuing calibration certificates.

Division: in digital balances, this is also called Reading capacity d. In non-mechanical balances, the minimum value is indicated in a balances composed of lines and figures that are read by way of an index or indicator.

Document of conformity: when balances are calibrated a document of conformity is drawn up by the authority carrying out the adjustments.

Dosing balances: Many of our scales are used as dosing scales. The economic platform scales are giving way to special dosing scales which are more expensive. Solidity, wide weighing range and high accuracy are the main advantages of dosing scales.

Duration of the validity of a calibration of balances: analytical balances of calibration class I, 2 years; precision balances of calibration class II, 2 years; industrial balances of calibration class III, 2 years; all other classes, 1 year.

Duration of the validity of a calibration of weights: weights in error limit class E2, 4 years; weights in error limit class F1 - F2, 4 years; weights in error limit class M1 - M3, 4 years, weights in all other classes, 1 year.

EA: European co-operation for Accreditation (previously WECC or EAL). Regulates the mutual international recognition of DKD certificates for balances. Link for the EA.

Effects of air: each body experiences a push of air, a loss of weight, that does not disappear when using highly accurate weights. To neutralise this, in practice, a conventional weight value is introduced. The effects of air should be taken into consideration when weighing an object.

Error limit for balances: refers to adjusted balances. The error limit refers to the permitted tolerance which means the allowed deviation of weight. There is a difference between error limits from the first adjustment and error limits used by the balances.

Error limits for weights / classes of error limit: a weight's error limit corresponds with the permitted tolerance, which means the largest allowed deviation from the nominal value. Error limit classes for weights are established by OIML in a strict hierarchical manner.

Error limits when used: they are the double of error limits for balances for their first adjustment. They are the permitted error limits for balances in use.

External test weight: (calibration weight), used to adjust or calibrate precision balances, also see 'Adjust weight range'. An external test weight can come with a DKD certificate.

Filter to adapt to ambient conditions: they filter the sudden movements increasing the number of internal measurement cycles in the balances or increasing the time of integration. It is additional security above the control status that is eliminated in a measurement value that is being read or printed too quickly. Different levels of filters can be adjusted. See also weighted value.

Gross weight: weight of an object including packaging and or the transport container see also Net weight and Tare.

Heavier / lighter weight: for testing quality: load the balances with a nominal weight - reset the tare to zero by pressing the TARE key, which saves the nominal value - all measurements taken will be shown in relation to the nominal weight.

High resolution balances: under this denomination are analysis balances and precision balances with a resolution of >100,000 digits. The resolution is calculated from the weight range: reading capacity d
Example: weight range of 300g, at a reading capacity of 0.001g corresponds to 1mg, the resolution = 300,000 digits.
Balances - Classifications of accuracy

Hook balances: On our website you will find hook scales for the industry. Industrial hook scales have a big display which makes it easy to read the weight properly.

Hopper balances: Many of our scales are used as hopper scales. The economic platform scales are giving way to special hopper scales which are more expensive.

Household scales: Within our range of household scales you can find all types of scales for kitchen usage. Household scales have many advantages including their ease of use and a tare function making it convenient to put together ingredients for recipes.

Humidity balances: PCE humidity scales are designed for both industrial and professional sector. Humidity scales can determine the remaining dry matter after a drying process with infrared energy of the original matter which must be previously weighed.

Influence of temperature on balances: these are physical conditions and can only be corrected with internal device compensation. It is necessary to adjust balances after a change in temperature. >> Adjust.

Ingress protection (IP): the higher the number, the better protection against dust and water that the scale's enclosure has.  IP 54 is standard for balances. Table of the types of Ingress Protection

Indication of an overload: shown on the display of balances when a minimum or maximum load is exceeded.

Industrial balances: this covers a wide range of balances, covering tabletop balances, platform, balances, crane balances as well as balances used for shipping and receiving.

Interface parameters: almost always RS-232 C. to connect directly to a computer or printer.

Internal test weight: like the external test weight, but is incorporated within the balances and functions using a motor.

Inventory scales: We offer you a wide range of inventory scales as well as scales for weighing items, reference scales or verified industrial models for professionals which are used either for piece counting function or for weighing.

ISO 9000 and higher: quality management system within the quality assurance standard for companies known as DIN EN ISO 9000 and above.

ISO / GLP protocol: in quality assurance systems, it's necessary to print weighting results, first values, and the weight correction adjustment with the date and time, as well as the balances identifier. The easiest way is by connecting a printer.

Laboratory balances: under this classification you will find analytical balances and precision balances.

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display): term used to identify a type of display which incorporates liquid crystal and is not illuminated on its own.

LED display (Light Emitting Diode): It uses the light emitted from light diodes to display values or indicators.

Linearity / Correction of balances: maximum deviation of the weight display with respect to the test weight value across the entire range.

Load control at balances edges: control of the balances when a load is placed near the edge of the weighing pan.

Load cranes: On our website you will find load cranes for the industry. Industrial load cranes have a big display for reading the weight properly.

Load balances: On our website you will find load scales for the industry. Industrial load scales have a big display for reading the weight properly.

Margin of error for balances: the uncertainty in measurements characterises the range in which you will find the real measurement range.

Maximum weight range: operating range for balances. Balances can be loaded up to the maximum load limit.

Metrology: measurement discipline of measurement units and systems. In the case of balances, it is directly related with the calibration technique. Also see OIML 

Metric carat: a metric carat is 1ct = 0.2g. It is used for determining the weight of precious stones.

Micro balances: Analytical balances which can take a minimum load of between 5g and 50g, with a reading capacity d = 0.001mg or higher.

Mixing components: weighing different components in a receptacle allowing for them to be mixed, for making recipes. >> Total net

Net weight: weight of an object excluding packaging and or the transport container >> Gross weight, >> Tare.

Newton: the Newton (N) is a unit of force in the System International (SI).
A body accelerates at a force of 1 kg for 1m/seg².

Number of reference pieces: number of pieces needed to obtain a representative weight reference for piece counting. Usually between 5 and 50 pieces.

OIML: International Organisation of Legal  Metrology. This organisation regulates the metrics of legal calibrations (Metrology). A link for the OIML

Package balances: In the general index you will find package scales for mailing/shipping. With package scales you will be able to calculate immediately the weight of the object which is going to be sent. Package scales can be used for various purposes.

Paper balances: On our website, you will find both mechanical and digital paper scales for professional weighing of sheets of paper in g/m² (in relation to a square meter of paper). 

Pasteur tube: manual device that offers the possibility to measure the weight of small quantities of liquid.

Piece counting: if you weigh, for example, 10 equal pieces, the reference number of pieces is 10. Balances automatically determine the average weight by the quantity of pieces. From this moment, the identical components to count are referred to as pieces. A larger number of reference pieces results in a more accurate calculation.

Precision scales: You will find precision scales in our general index. Our precision scales convince people by their accuracy, their wide weight range as well as by their high quality. Many of our precision scales have a built-in level to direct scales with a high precision an accuracy.

Prototype of the International kilogram: Also called 'the original kilogram' and it is the base unit for the mass. This piece of 1 kilogram is kept in Paris. It is the global standard for the metric system from which derive gram (g), milligram (mg) and ton (t).

PTB: Physikalisch Technische Bundesanstalt in Braunschweig. This Federal Offices responsible for the legal Metrology OIML in Germany. In the case of balances, they regulate calibrations.

Re-adjust: periodical testing and adjustment of balances by an authorised centre. Also see 'Duration of validity of calibration of balances'

Reading capacity d: the smallest legible value on balances.

Recalibration: periodical measurement of the method of measurement or control, to test its correction.

Recovery of the national norm: the ISO 9000 standard ensures that all measurements meet the defined tolerance of the official standard. Also see 'International prototype kilogram'.

Reference weight: the representative weight for piece counting equal components. Also see 'Number of reference pieces'.

Repeatability: (standard deviation) the coincidence of repeated measurements under the same conditions. Usually 1d or less. Qualitative characteristic.

Scales for carat: On our website you will find scales for carat for weighing both carats and jewellery. In some models of our scales for carat weighing units (grams or carats) can be chosen.

Semi-micro balances: analytical balances with a reading capacity d = 0.01mg.

Surface balances: Mechanical and digital surface scales used to obtain the weight of a sheet of paper in g/m² are available on this site.

Balances with 'stand by': they partially shut down if not being used. This eliminates the start-up time when they need to be re-used, which saves time.

Balances with various ranges: balances with a variety of different weight ranges. Each weight range begins at zero and stops at the maximum load for the balances. Each weight range has its own reading capacity "d".

Start-up time: the amount of time from when the balances are turned on until it has reached its operating temperature.
This is almost always indicated in the user's manual. Also see 'Changes in temperature'.

Systems (Hanging): We offer you an overview of the hanging system which is ideal for both trading and leisure. Hanging system has almost all the weighing ranges (from 20 g to 10 t) and is equipped with a shockproof device.

Tare: the possibility to reset the display to zero once a receptacle is placed on the weighing pan. This can be done as often as required with electronic balances. The tare is subtracted from the device's maximum weight range. For example: the maximum weight range is 6000g, the tare (= a receptacle) 470 g, maximum available weight range = 5530g.

Tare weight: weight of the container or packaging of an object. Also see 'Gross weight' and 'Net weight'.

Temperature range: the range in which balances can be used. If the balances are used in temperatures too high or low, errors can occur.

Terrestrial forces: destabilising influence on electronic balances. The balances should be adjusted in an enclosure as the device's energy will be different at different points of the earth.

Test weights: weights that correspond with a measurement class of error limit M1 of the OIML. Used for testing precision balances and industrial balances.

Thermo balances: PCE thermo balances have been designed for the industrial and professional sectors. Thermo balances can determine the remaining dry matter after a drying process with infrared energy of the original matter previously weighed, so humidity is calculated in relation to the weight of the wet matter.

Tolerance of a measuring device: each device has an indicated tolerance to physical conditions. Tolerance defines the most deviation allowed. Also see 'Error limit'.

Total net: the possibility to put the weight in separate memory locations for making recipes. The net total is the sum of weights of all the components, excluding the weight of the receptacle and can be calculated at the press of a button.

Validation: document demonstrating that a process is more appropriate for performing a tare.

Verification: document demonstrating that the device has met with an established requirement.

Verifiable balances: Our online offer includes a range of verifiable scales with a readability of 0.01 mg and available software.

Weight: the weight of a body is a physical magnitude. It is measured by the effect of the inertia of a change in velocity, such as an attraction to other bodies. Weight is always the same, independent of the effects of air and the attraction to the earth. The metric unit is the kilogram.

Weight differential: determination of the difference in weight of an object after a process, such as drying. Both weights are taken on the same scale under the same conditions.

Weight range tolerance: The upper and lower value limits are individually programmed into the balances either with weights or by using the keypad. To classify a luminous bar oscillates between value limits and an acoustic signal is emitted. Limit values are done in grams (g) per piece or percentage (%).

Weighing table: analysis balances and precision balances should exclude all sudden movements. The solid stone plates should rest upon wall mounted consoles or stable tables. Their horizontal position should not need to be modified.

Weight value: indicated by the balances after weighing. This is usually shown in either (g) or (kg). Results can be simply read or printed.

Wind screen: apparatus that protects the weighing pan against disruptive movements produced by the air flow. It is required by precision balances with a reading capacity d <10mg. It comes with all analytical balances.

Other sources: Balances in the PTB

Data protection

Request a copy of our catalogue for balances (company copy).

Below we have a video of our company where you can observe where research, innovation and technical assistance are the most important services which we provide to our clients. If none of our balances are a solution to your problem, call us on: +44 (0)2380 987030 and one of our engineers will assess your needs and help you select the balances which best suit your requirements.

PCE Instruments has tested some of our measuring instruments in the Antarctic.  Our aim was to ensure that our measuring instruments could resist extremely low temperatures. In a recent expedition, we exposed some of our pocket and laboratory balances to these conditions. Such extreme tests ensure that our devices will function inside freezer units for prolonged periods of time.

If you wish to view or print a selection of balances from our catalogue, click the PDF symbol